Stakes are high in Steelers-Bengals division showdown

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are set to face off Sunday night in Cincinnati for a marquee matchup with first place in the AFC North division on the line.

Both teams enter the contest carrying matching 6-2 records and four-game winning streaks.

Sunday’s matchup marks the second meeting between the AFC North rivals this season, following a Pittsburgh victory in Week three. As the Steelers returned from their bye week to ramp up preparation, the team shifted into game mode and held practice indoors.

Multiple players noted that while there is plenty to take from their early-season victory, Pittsburgh has developed into a far more complete team since then.

Wide receiver DK Metcalf noted that while reporters and media coverage focus on the division standings and high stakes, the players remain focused strictly on their execution and playing their game.

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that the team’s primary area of growth since the first matchup has come in building confidence through consistent winning.

“Confidence. And that comes with winning,” McCarthy said. “Every time you win, a chunk of confidence goes with it. But I think just like anything, the biggest challenge in life, especially in pro football, especially in every season, is handling success. We’ve had some success. We’ve won a couple in a row, so we’ve just got to keep it to the grind.”

The Steelers are also making progress on the injury front as key players return to health. Safety DeShon Elliott was a full participant in practice after being limited earlier with an ankle injury. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, who remains on injured reserve, was limited in practice for a second straight day.

The division matchup is scheduled for Sunday night in Cincinnati.

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